Crazy, Stupid, Love.

UK Release Date: 23 September 2011
Certification: 12A
Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Cast: Kevin Bacon, Jonah Bobo, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Joey King, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Lio Tipton, Marisa Tomei

Rating: 72%

                                                                                                                                                   

Review:

Crazy, Stupid, Love. is a delightful rom-com. When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) life falls apart following a divorce from his wife, he is recruited by Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) who helps him navigate single life. It's a fairly basic premise but everything about the film is carried out with expert technique that elevates the film. 

Steve Carell is arguably the best comedic actor of his generation. I have rewatched The Office countless amounts of times and he shines as Michael Scott. In Crazy, Stupid, Love., Carell gets the opportunity to display his dramatic chops alongside his usual comedic shtick. This is a broken man, heartbroken to have lost his soul mate, and the audience feels sympathy for Cal. It's probably best encapsulated by the phone call in the garden, superbly acted. But Ryan Gosling is him. He can do it all - such phenomenal range within his filmography. He's surprisingly funny in the role with nearly every line deserving of a laugh. And his chemistry with Emma Stone is spectacular. It is a stacked supporting cast; the aforementioned Emma Stone as well as Kevin Bacon and Julianne Moore. But Marisa Tomei steals every scene that she's in. A hilarious turn that only gets better as the film progresses. 

The film is lit superbly throughout. There are neon tones in the club and Jacob's apartment that are just incredibly appealing on the eye. The colour palette simply pops through the screen with Andrew Dunn's terrific cinematography. 

However, the main talking point of the film is a certain scene at a family barbecue. A priceless twist that comes from absolutely nowhere leading to a hilarious reveal. It's something that feels unique separating Crazy, Stupid Love. from other comedies of a similar vain.

There were a few side-plots within the film that I wasn't invested in, losing a little bit of interest. That could be due to lacklustre performances from child actors compared to the rest of the cast or simply a lack of compelling writing. One of the love stories is most definitely inappropriate/illegal which leaves a sour taste on a decent film.